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Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Taught languages German, French, Spanish, Mandarin, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School is a day and boarding international school serving students aged 3 to 18. The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme in Early Education and Grades 1–5; Middle Years Programme in Grades 6–10; Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, with an additional BBIS High School Diploma as an alternative path. All teaching is in English, with German language exposure in the Primary years and language acquisition in other years. The campus sits on 360,000 square metres of forested grounds in Kleinmachnow, just southwest of Berlin, and features five buildings, science labs, design/technology spaces, libraries, and dedicated study spaces. The school provides sport facilities, a GISST competition program, a robust arts offering including music, drama, and visual arts, and a technology focus with robotics, 3D printing, and a 24/7 digital library. ACE centre offers targeted support for Grades 11–12, complementing the IB with study workshops.
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School has 900 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.
Location
BBIS is located in Kleinmachnow, southwest of Berlin. The campus spans 100 acres of forested land on the shore of the Machnower See and the Teltowkanal, in the Seeberg area. It is a short drive from Potsdam and just a few minutes from the residential areas of southwest Berlin and the Brandenburg suburbs. BBIS is accessible by car and public transport from Berlin and Potsdam.
Stages
BBIS consists of a Primary School and a Secondary School. The Primary School includes the IB Primary Years Programme (Early Education) and IB Primary Years Programme (Grade 1-5). The Secondary School includes the IB Middle Years Programme (Grade 6-10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11-12).
Type
BBIS is an international day and boarding school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
75+ nationalities are represented at BBIS.
Additional learning support
Learning Support tailors instruction to meet each learner's needs and helps them access the general curriculum. English as an Additional Language provides targeted small-group support and in-class guidance across Primary and Secondary, with EAL specialists collaborating with classroom teachers. In Secondary, EAL work is supported in Humanities and Science, and through the Learning Lab for targeted interventions in academic writing and study skills.
Bus service
The BBIS bus service is provided through PotsdamBus GmbH. They have an office on campus and families should contact them directly to discuss schedules, routes, terms and conditions (open 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday). A seat on a large bus costs from 2,065.10 Euros including VAT for the 2025/2026 school year.
Fees
Annual tuition at BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School ranges from EUR 14,900 to EUR 25,100 for 2026/27.
Annual tuition — Early Education and Primary (per year and instalment amounts)
- Primary School (Grade 1–5): fees are shown as minimum and maximum annual amounts to reflect the school's fee-adjustment scheme. Instalments below apply to each listed annual amount (60% due 1 August; 40% due 1 January). - Grade 1: EUR 175 to EUR 18,800 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 11,280 / 40% = EUR 7,520. - Grade 2: EUR 175 to EUR 19,400 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 11,640 / 40% = EUR 7,760. - Grade 3: EUR 175 to EUR 19,700 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 11,820 / 40% = EUR 7,880. - Grade 4: EUR 175 to EUR 20,800 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 12,480 / 40% = EUR 8,320. - Grade 5: EUR 175 to EUR 21,000 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 12,600 / 40% = EUR 8,400.
Secondary tuition (per year and instalment amounts)
- Grades 6–10: fees are shown as minimum and maximum annual amounts. Instalments (60% due 1 August; 40% due 1 January): - Grade 6: EUR 175 to EUR 21,800 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 13,080 / 40% = EUR 8,720. - Grade 7: EUR 175 to EUR 22,000 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 13,200 / 40% = EUR 8,800. - Grade 8: EUR 175 to EUR 22,200 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 13,320 / 40% = EUR 8,880. - Grade 9: EUR 175 to EUR 23,200 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 13,920 / 40% = EUR 9,280. - Grade 10: EUR 175 to EUR 23,500 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 14,100 / 40% = EUR 9,400.
- Grades 11–12 (IB Diploma years): - Grade 11: EUR 24,300 per year. Instalments: 60% = EUR 14,580 / 40% = EUR 9,720. - Grade 12: EUR 24,400 per year. Instalments: 60% = EUR 14,640 / 40% = EUR 9,760. Note: the Grade 12 fee does not include IBO examination fees (these are charged separately by the IB).
One-time and registration fees
- One-time registration fee (payable on signing of the school contract / registration): EUR 7,500 (applicable as shown alongside each school-level entry). The registration fee and deposits are due upon receipt of the signed contracts.
- One-time application fee (credited upon conclusion of the school contract): EUR 100 (this amount is applied/credited as described).
Boarding fees and related charges
- Annual boarding fee (Grades 9–12): EUR 25,100 per year. Instalments: normally invoiced in two instalments with 60% due on 1 August and 40% due on 1 January.
- Book deposit (refundable): EUR 300. - BBIS PE clothing (from Grade 6): approximately EUR 30 to EUR 100. - Pocket calculator (from Grade 9): approximately EUR 150. - Extra-curricular activities: approximately EUR 250–360 per student/activity/season. - Annual school trip: approximately EUR 500–2,000. - Annual bus fees (external service provider): from EUR 2,065.10. - Canteen (external service provider): from EUR 6.20 to EUR 7.20 per pre-ordered school lunch. - IBO examination fees: charged separately by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and are not included in the Grade 12 tuition amount.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- School tuition and boarding fees are normally invoiced in two instalments each academic year. The standard due dates are: 60% due on 1 August and the remaining 40% due on 1 January. For families whose contracts were issued before 20 January 2026, the school's existing instalment dates (1 September and 1 January) continue to apply. The school registration fee and deposits are due upon receipt of the signed contracts.
Refunds and refundable deposits
- Refundable items explicitly published: book deposit (EUR 300) and boarding deposit (EUR 2,000) are refundable as stated. The one-time application fee for admissions is credited upon conclusion of the school contract; the boarding application fee is non-refundable. Grade 12 tuition does not include IB examination fees, which are charged separately. No detailed general tuition withdrawal/refund schedule was published on the school fees and boarding-fees pages reviewed here.
Fee payment options
- The school's published fee and boarding pages list invoicing and instalment schedules and deposits but do not specify accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer or card) on those pages. Payment instructions and accepted methods are typically provided on invoices and in contract documents. The publicly listed fee pages do not include specific payment-method details.
Notes on interpretation and numeric presentation
- Annual figures above are stated in Euros and are presented as published; instalment amounts shown are calculated from the published annual figures using the school's invoicing split (60% / 40%). The school publishes minimum and maximum annual amounts for several year groups reflecting its fee-adjustment programme; examples above show both ends of those ranges where provided.
Academics
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 3 to 19.
Curriculum
BBIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. The Primary School uses the IB Primary Years Programme (Early Education and Grades 1–5). The Secondary School offers the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11–12). BBIS also provides a BBIS High School Diploma as an alternative path alongside or in place of the full IB Diploma. The IB Diploma Programme includes six subject groups and a core consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay. All teaching is in English, with German language exposure in Grades 1–5 and language acquisition in other years.
Student Teacher Ratio
1:7
Exam Results
IB DP results 2023–2025: BBIS average across all subjects was 4.9 (2023), 5.1 (2024), and 5.0 (2025); World averages were 4.7 (2023), 4.7 (2024), and 4.9 (2025).
Higher Education Progression
BBIS provides a Career and College Counselling programme to support university applications in Germany, Europe, the United Kingdom and beyond. BBIS students are accepted at universities in Germany, across Europe and the UK, as well as North America and Asia.
Gifted and Talented
BBIS has an Academic Centre for Excellence (ACE) offering tailored academic coaching and enrichment for Grade 11 and 12 students, including one‑on‑one coaching, group workshops, and supportive materials to develop study, writing, and exam skills.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
By addressing barriers related to language, learning, health, behaviour, and social-emotional wellbeing, BBIS empowers all learners to thrive.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support services are available for students who may need extra support to realise their full potential.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Many students receive support to build English language proficiency; a team of highly qualified English language teachers are here to help.
Mental Wellbeing
School Counselling helps students and families navigate all aspects of school life. BBIS has on-site nurses as part of Health Services to support everyday and emergency health needs.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Stay & Play at BBIS. For families considering Grade 1 entry, Stay & Play sessions offer a welcoming opportunity to experience BBIS first-hand before formal admissions. Children participate in a short, engaging classroom experience; parents meet members of our school leadership team and gain insight into daily life at BBIS and the transition into Grade 1. Stay & Play sessions are complimentary and places are limited.
2. Book a tour. BBIS is an inclusive international school. A guided private tour provides a first-hand opportunity to get to know BBIS, our students and our facilities. If a face-to-face tour isn't possible, you can explore BBIS by taking a virtual tour.
3. How to apply and start your application. BBIS uses an online application system for all enrolments, and families can start an application at any time by following the link. You can also apply for BBIS Boarding. The Admissions Team is here to help at every stage of the process. Applications are considered throughout the school year based on space availability.
4. What happens next and documentation. Families should submit all the required documentation. A 100 EUR application fee is due per submitted school application and is credited when the contract is signed. An additional 100 EUR boarding application fee applies for boarding. Completed applications are processed by the admissions team and applicants will be updated on their status via the online portal. Students may be tested and screened depending on age and language proficiency.
5. Acceptance, contracts and fees. If the application is successful, you'll receive a letter of acceptance, a school contract, a registration fee invoice and, if applicable, a boarding contract. To confirm your child's place, sign these contracts and pay the registration fee within three weeks of receipt. If the application is unsuccessful, you will be notified. The School Fee Reduction Programme is available for Grades 1–10; applications are processed separately from the admissions process and are handled by the Director's Office.
Scholarships
School Fee Reduction Programme. BBIS offers a School Fee Reduction Programme for students in Grades 1–10; applications are processed separately from the admissions process and are handled by the Director's Office.
FAQs
What programmes does BBIS offer?
BBIS offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) plus a BBIS High School Diploma as an alternative pathway.
Does BBIS offer boarding?
Yes. Boarding is available for Grades 9-12, with about 70 students in two-person rooms with ensuite bathrooms. BBIS is the first English-language boarding school in Germany.
How many students attend?
BBIS has approximately 900 students from 75+ nationalities.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition ranges from EUR 14,900 for Early Education to EUR 24,400 for Secondary. Boarding fees are additional.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
BBIS maintains a 1:7 student-teacher ratio.
What are the IB results?
BBIS achieved an average of 5.0 across all IB subjects in 2025, above the world average of 4.9.
What facilities does BBIS have?
The 360,000 sqm forested campus features a full-size artificial turf field with running track, bleachers for 820, sand court, basketball courts, science labs, 3D printing, and robotics.
Where is BBIS located?
BBIS is in Kleinmachnow, southwest of Berlin, on 100 acres of forested land beside the Machnower See.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Activities include Duke of Edinburgh's Award, robotics, chess, pottery, drama, guitar orchestra, photography, film, Model UN, and extensive sports.
Is there an Academic Centre for Excellence?
Yes. ACE provides tailored coaching, workshops, and support for Grade 11 and 12 students to develop study, writing, and exam skills.
When was BBIS founded?
BBIS opened on 16 September 1991 with eight students, founded as the International School Berlin-Potsdam.
